Basic set up is a new f550, 180amp alternator, 2X200ah LiFePO4 batteries (either victron or smart battery, still in the info gathering phase).
When I run the calcs, to get the full alternator output to the batteries, I am looking at a massive 0000 cable run, connected via a nato plug. Its also an unregulated output, I.E. it connects directly to the batteries, so I am relying on fords alternator regulation to ensure that the sensitive lithium batteries don't see an over-voltage event (I could put a voltage regulator in line though). A friend with a similar set up recently had an alternator control fail, was seeing 15-17 volts briefly, and it did the fry job to a few of his 12 volt circuits and damaged the battery.
Would it be a consideration to add a mid priced 2000 watt inverter (12v x 180 amp should yield a max of 2160 watts) in the engine bay, and then bring a much smaller cabled 110v supply back to the inverter (victron multiplus).
The advantages I could see would be the input would be treated like shore power, and regulated by the Victron, which does a great job of handling, regulating and boosting as needed, shore power inputs.
The disadvantages I could see right off would be the efficiency lost in the inverter. But I would also lose some efficiency unless I am running massive cables back to the batteries. Cost is also a potential disadvantage, but 0000 cable is rather expensive, so a $500 inverter might not be $500 if you subtracted the cable size difference.
When I run the calcs, to get the full alternator output to the batteries, I am looking at a massive 0000 cable run, connected via a nato plug. Its also an unregulated output, I.E. it connects directly to the batteries, so I am relying on fords alternator regulation to ensure that the sensitive lithium batteries don't see an over-voltage event (I could put a voltage regulator in line though). A friend with a similar set up recently had an alternator control fail, was seeing 15-17 volts briefly, and it did the fry job to a few of his 12 volt circuits and damaged the battery.
Would it be a consideration to add a mid priced 2000 watt inverter (12v x 180 amp should yield a max of 2160 watts) in the engine bay, and then bring a much smaller cabled 110v supply back to the inverter (victron multiplus).
The advantages I could see would be the input would be treated like shore power, and regulated by the Victron, which does a great job of handling, regulating and boosting as needed, shore power inputs.
The disadvantages I could see right off would be the efficiency lost in the inverter. But I would also lose some efficiency unless I am running massive cables back to the batteries. Cost is also a potential disadvantage, but 0000 cable is rather expensive, so a $500 inverter might not be $500 if you subtracted the cable size difference.